With the NBA trade deadline now just five days away on February 8, the rumor mill will start spinning with trade buzz that may feature the San Antonio Spurs.
Michael Scotto of the Athletic (via HoopsRumors.com) reports that the Spurs have interest in Detroit’s Stanley Johnson and the New York Knicks’ Willy Hernangomez.
According to the article by HoopsRumors.com, the Spurs and Orlando Magic are two teams ‘monitoring’ Johnson. At past trade deadlines, the Spurs have been rumored to have had interest in Johnson as well.
Johnson is a 6’7 wing who is still just 21 years old and is on a deal that’s guaranteed at $3 million this season and $3.9 million next season. In the 2019-20 season, he’s eligible to be a free agent with a qualifying offer of $5.3 million.
Johnson has played in 40 of the Pistons’ 51 games this season and he’s averaged 8.3 points (36% FG, 27% 3PT), 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and one turnover in 27.7 minutes.
Before exploring what types of players or picks San Antonio would need to put in a package for Johnson, one must consider what the Pistons are seeking in return for Johnson.
Is Detroit looking for picks for the future, or are they seeking an impact player since they’re currently 25-26, which puts them 9th in the East and still in the mix to make the playoffs?
The Spurs have reportedly ‘expressed interest’ in Hernangomez. Hernangomez is a 23 year old big who is on the books for $1.4 million this season, guaranteed $1.5 million next season, and he has a non-guaranteed deal in the 2019-20 season for $1.7 million.
Hernangomez has only played in 25 of the Knicks’ 53 games this season and he’s averaged 4.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and one turnover in 9.2 minutes.
Just like with Johnson, you have to consider what are the Knicks seeking in return for Hernangomez?
Are they seeking a pick or a player, or are they seeking an impact player since they’re 23-30 and 10th in the East?
Until Thursday arrives, the Spurs might continue to find themselves in the rumor mill.
Does anyone knows when will see Kawhi play.
The team has not provided a timetable or date for his return, only that he’s not expected to miss the remainder of the season.
sooner rather than later LOL
The question is, who can we afford to let go to get these players? What would the Knicks and Pistons wants from us?
Exactly, that’s the part that isn’t revealed publicly. Since Detroit is aiming for the playoffs, it seems like they’d want a player who can contribute right now like Anderson, Bertans, or Murray. But, would SA be willing to part with one of those players since all three are integral to the team with Kawhi and Gay out.
Hernangomez is chasing minutes and latest reports say the Knicks have a high price to get him. If they’re seeking anything beyond a player and second rounder, SA probably doesn’t have the right package for him.
I meant Forbes, not Murray.
Yup the Pistons are in win-now mode right now because SVG is trying to protect his job. We have a more realistic chance at getting Tyreke Evans because Memphis is clearly looking to blow it up. Evans would be a good pick up. We need a guy who can come off the bench and just get buckets especially when our offense is stalling. Rudy and Tyreke would make for a nice 1-2 punch off the bench.